Q: Does this unit include a battery? If not, how much is the battery and how much is the cold weather kit?

by Liz from New York on January 15, 2014

A: The battery is not included with the home standby generators and we do not sell the Kohler recommended battery. You can purchase a battery locally.....Group 51 with a minimum of 500 CCA (cold crank amps).

Q: I'm looking at your Kohler models 20RESAL-SA6 and Kohler 20RESAL. What's the difference between the service disconnect switch and a standard switch?by James Decker from Pennsylvania on December 26, 2013

A: When you are going to use the generator to power the entire home a service disconnect style type transfer switch is required by code as it is installed immediately after the electric meter before your main panel.

The standard model switch is used when there is already a separate service disconnect switch present immediately after the meter or if you are going to just power a sub-panel located after the main electrical panel.

by Mike, Product Expert

Q: Can the "outdoor" standard switch be installed indoors next to power panels?by John from Washington on September 13, 2013

A: Thank you for your inquiry!

The Kohler RXT-JFNC-0200A is designed for the meet the rigors of outdoor installation, however it is not limited to just that. These switches may very well be placed indoors, so long as the local inspector will allow it. Use of this switch indoors meets the National Electrical Code, however each municipality has the right to their own interpretation of this code.

We would suggest checking with your electrician or at very least, the local building department for their requirements.by Mike, Product Expert

Q: What size gas supply pipe is needed from tank to generator?by Richard Evans from Pennsylvania on July 20, 2013

A: Fuel pipe size is based on the distance from the fuel source and for the Kohler models the recommended pipe size and max distances are listed in the installation guide and in the Kohler spec sheet....

Q: What is the type and part number of the 200A Standard Transfer Switch that is supplied with the Kohler 20RESAL 20KW Standby Generator System advertised for $5199.00? What are all the specifications of this switch in doorout door, automaticmanual, number of circuits, voltagecurrent rating?Thank you in advance for the follow up information.regards,Ron Beersby Ron Beers from New Jersey on February 08, 2013

A: The following link shows the exact transfer switch included with Kohler generator model 20RESAL....

Q: How does the warranty work? Does it have to be installed by a Kohler certified dealer for the warranty work?by Franz Gerster from New York on December 13, 2012

A: Kohler does not require a Kohler certified installer only a minimum would be a certified electrician.

When a Kohler installer does the installation and start-up the warranty starts the day he starts the unit.

When a certified electrician installs and starts the unit the warranty starts the day the unit was shipped from the factory.

All service and warranty work must be completed by an authorized Kohler service technician.

by Mike, Product Expert

Q: What is the purpose of a 200 amp transfer switch if it is not service entrance rated?by Joel from New York on October 06, 2012

A: A service disconnect can be installed prior to the switch allowing for whole house applications or a specific "emergency" sub-panel can be installed with the switch connected to the sub-panel which the generator would power only.

by Mike, Product Expert

Q: Does the Kohler 20 kw 20RESAL come with a base or pad? if not what is required?by Jim Mestl from New York on October 04, 2012

A: The unit has a composite pad already installed on the unit but a solid foundation base is required which can be either concrete, crushed stone or pea gravel a minimum of 3 inches thick.

by Mike, Product Expert

Q: Looking at the 20RESAL I see it comes with an outdoor transfer switch. Is this a service entrance rated switch and if not how much extra is it for the service rated one?by Tommy Strickland from Louisiana on September 13, 2012

A: The switch in the 20RESAL is not service entrance rated. To get the 200A service rated switch you will need to buy each item individually (Generator & Switch).

Q: Jim, Is this item dual fuel or just one or the other NG or LP?Also, what should I expect on ballpark pricing to have this unit installed by an electrician?Finally, what does the Load control module do for me? Do I need it?Thanks,Artby Art Aldridge from Arkansas on August 31, 2012

A: This model will run on either LP or natural gas with the fuel selected at time of install. No additional parts are required.

Install costs vary. Anecdotal only, and based on my Kohler 18kW installed at my home, the install cost was $2200. This was for gas and electric connections. Mine was a 'middle of the road' install - only 20' from the meters & I did a service entrance switch mounted outside past the meter & between the load center.

If you go with a Generac machine, you can install DLM's or relay blocks to drop out certain high amperage loads which only allow them to power on if the generator has sufficient power remaining to start them. Unless you have multiple 4-5ton A/C units or other large amp draw items, this isn't needed on a 20kW. The best way to install a Kohler is to segregate the loads you want in a sub panel. Then you know that every time the generator starts you will be able to power up all of those items. And, 75amps is a lot of power that goes a long way to keep a home comfortable without utility power.by Mike, Product Expert

Q: How many BTUs do the generators use? 20kw etc.by Bob Diem from Maryland on August 07, 2012

A: 281,000 BTU/HR at Full Load.....You can find all the fuel consumption information on the manufacturers spec sheet available on the generator product page under the specs link.

by Mike, Product Expert

Q: Does the Kohler 20 RESAL have load shedding capability like the Generac Unit?by Ronnierams from New Jersey on July 13, 2012

A: Yes, with the purchase of their Load Control Manager which needs to be installed by a certified electrician....click link for details...

Q: i need to use a service disconnect switch and will be installing the switch inside.What switch should i use and how much is the complete pkg deliveried.by Charlie Smith from New York on June 15, 2012

A: You would need to purchase the 20RESA generator and the RXT-JFNC-0200SE switch. Click on the links below for pricing and add both items to your cart for total.

Q: Hi Jim, What is the difference between the 20resl and 20resal? I don't see the composite pad on this unit 20resal?Thanks,Steveby Steve from New Jersey on February 21, 2012

A: The new "A" version has the following features added:** New Controller - RDC2/DC2 - New display readable in direct sunlight, 2 lines, 16 characters per line, no more codes. - Built-In 2.5A battery charger using 120 VAC allowing deletion of the separate 6A battery charger - Includes Ethernet Board, so no hardware required to be installed for OnCue - RDC2 has built-in LED's on controller overlay to view status of RXT transfer switch and source availability while standing at the genset - Real Time Clock - Allows setting of Exercise for any time and day you want - Internal protection, no controller fuses to service - Controller is fully potted for protection against snow and moisture

The composite pad is the same color as the entire unit and already attached to the bottom of the generator.by Mike, Product Expert

Kohler 20RESAL Reviews & Ratings

9 Reviews

Sort by

Jim W.Hyampom, CA

Purchased 4/13/13

5 Reviews

47 Helpful Votes

REVIEWED

MAY.

26

2013

Kohler Standby/20resal

Since purchasing and installing this Generator, I have heard from a number of folks who say Kohler is the very best value. I agree. Keep in mind, however, that in order to to activate the warranty, it must either be installed by a "Kohler" dealer/installer, or at least have this individual inspect the installation and execute the "start-up" documentation. This cost me an additional $500 due to the remote area we live. The "Kohler" guy was able to identify some important installation errors which I had corrected immediately.

Since purchasing and installing this Generator, I have heard from a number of folks who say Kohler is the very best value. I agree. Keep in mind, however, that in order to to activate the warranty, it must either be installed by a "Kohler" dealer/installer, or at least have this individual inspect the installation and execute the "start-up" documentation. This cost me an additional $500 due to the remote area we live. The "Kohler" guy was able to identify some... more

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380

Roger

Purchased 8/27/12

3 Reviews

47 Helpful Votes

REVIEWED

DEC.

15

2012

Tips For New Buyers

I finally got the unit installed (the delay was from the local contractors & utilities; delivery was in two days) and it purrs like a kitten. The voltage under load varies by two, frequency by 0.3Hz.

You can get a transfer switch with the service disconnect built in. I was replacing the pole and forty year old meter/service disconnect. The new meter socket had an integrated 200 amp service disconnect/breaker so I really didn't need the disconnect in the transfer switch.

My electrician was able to put in the new meter/disconnect, transfer switch, small breaker for the generator's charger and heater, and a outlet on the new single pole.

Tip 1: The lifting holes in the base will not accept a heavy enough chain to lift it. You don't want the chain scuffing things up anyway. Three quarter inch nylon rope is enough and works great. You need machine power or heavy bars and at least six people on them to lift into place. It is 500 pounds after all!

Tip 2: The composite base says you can place it directly on three inches of small river rock. I used gravel common in Iowa and then set solid concrete half blocks as a full coverage base. I also oriented it so that the predominate wind out of the West would flow through the generator rather than have the outlet side fighting the wind.

Tip 3: Everything about the Carb Heater says to plug it into a supplied outlet outside the engine compartment. There is no outlet outside the engine compartment. It is inside, on the right bulkhead towards the back.

Tip 4: Start the unit manually and let it run until it smooths out. It will surge and flutter until the LP line is completely purged of air and running pure. Even then, during the weekly exercise you will swear that you can hear a small flutter but when in use it is completely smooth.

Tip 5: I placed the unit at the service disconnect for the farm which is about a hundred feet from the house. To notice if it has switched to standby I had the electrician install a small light fixture on the pole and wired it to the generator lugs of the transfer switch.

Tip 6: I am going to build a three foot long wrench to open/close the oil drain valve. Otherwise, you have to dismantle the case before running to warm up the oil. Or burn your arm reaching in the small space between the exhaust and case to reach the valve at the bottom.

Tip 7: Don't attach the battery if the unit is not going to be connected (the charger circuit) for a few weeks. It will run the battery down quickly.

I finally got the unit installed (the delay was from the local contractors & utilities; delivery was in two days) and it purrs like a kitten. The voltage under load varies by two, frequency by 0.3Hz.

You can get a transfer switch with the service disconnect built in. I was replacing the pole and forty year old meter/service disconnect. The new meter socket had an integrated 200 amp service disconnect/breaker so I really didn't need the disconnect in the transfer switch.

I had just finished the installation of a the Kohler 20RESAL standby generator, with not a minute to spare! A front came through our area with 50+ mile an hour winds and rain, downing trees and knocking out power. We had finalized our setup, and tested the system for our customer only the day before. What a relief to get the call that they were with power when all around them everybody else was out for 24 -36 hours. My customer's father-in-law has me installing a system for them, and I hope to be doing more. Your shipping and ordering was easy, and the price was great!

I had just finished the installation of a the Kohler 20RESAL standby generator, with not a minute to spare! A front came through our area with 50+ mile an hour winds and rain, downing trees and knocking out power. We had finalized our setup, and tested the system for our customer only the day before. What a relief to get the call that they were with power when all around them everybody else was out for 24 -36 hours. My customer's father-in-law has me installing a system for them, and I hope to... more

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254

JohnLuling, TX

Purchased 6/21/12

17 Helpful Votes

REVIEWED

JUL.

24

2012

Purchase Of Generator

Well the Generator shows up in good condition, while getting the contractors together to install the propane/electric, had a power outrage in the area. Sure would a been nice to have the generator going. l live out in the sticks and power goes out alot.

Got it installed now,...got it big enough to power the needed items to run the home ...ran a few test runs see if it will do the job.
I'm very pleased with the product ..thanks guys/gals for your excellent service

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172

Ruth & Ray B.Dubach, LA

Purchased 8/7/12

16 Helpful Votes

REVIEWED

AUG.

29

2012

North La Generator For Our Home

Our newly purchased generator has been a very good experience for us. Electric Generators Direct made this purchase easy and we are so pleased with the ordering process, shipping(free), and the actual delivery.

This process is the way to go. Thanks to all who helped us through. You are to be commended for your courtesy and our generator is soooooo nice!

Thanks to all, Ray & Ruth

Our newly purchased generator has been a very good experience for us. Electric Generators Direct made this purchase easy and we are so pleased with the ordering process, shipping(free), and the actual delivery.

This process is the way to go. Thanks to all who helped us through. You are to be commended for your courtesy and our generator is soooooo nice! more

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162

MikeCraigsville, WV

Purchased 10/29/12

15 Helpful Votes

REVIEWED

JAN.

01

2013

Ready And Able

Our generator is installed and ready to back up utility power when the need arises. I was surprised our system was not the latest RDC2 controller.

I do understand the Generator demand power outages has caused in the east this year so I was not upset. However, we are very very happy with the ease of installation and setup.

Your professional service all the way to delivery was a great experience.

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154

WinstonWestbury, NY

Purchased 6/4/12

2 Reviews

13 Helpful Votes

REVIEWED

JUN.

27

2012

Safe & Secure

My job is to provide safety and as little inconvenience to my family. This Kohler 20kW Home Standby Generator has been greeted with priceless smiles. Photo's and Video to follow.

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134

Henry

Purchased 9/29/12

17 Helpful Votes

REVIEWED

NOV.

13

2012

My Story

After spending weeks considering various generators, I chose this one- one reason being that it came with a composite base, another being the 5-year warranty.

Everything arrived on time and was as advertised. I had it off-loaded from the semi onto a cart (2000 pound capacity) pulled by my riding lawnmower. Getting it sited was somewhat a chore as it weighs 500 pounds and we had to go up a grade and around bushes and trees next to the house where my riding lawnmower had no traction (or sufficient power) and my Kubota tractor couldn’t get in.

After carefully (and slowly) unloading it as close to the final site as possible, we pushed it up the last 100 feet around the various obstacles using PVC pipe as rollers, though the going got slow when we hit a patch of sand. Nevertheless, two men and one woman were all it took to get it in place.

The electrician who hooked it up was surprised by the low price. He was impressed when we found that the generator would easily run both 5-ton air conditioners at the same time. He said he preferred it to other generators he had installed.

On his advice, I added the carburetor heater as it can get cold here in northern Ohio. Overall, I am quite pleased with my purchase.

After spending weeks considering various generators, I chose this one- one reason being that it came with a composite base, another being the 5-year warranty.

Everything arrived on time and was as advertised. I had it off-loaded from the semi onto a cart (2000 pound capacity) pulled by my riding lawnmower. Getting it sited was somewhat a chore as it weighs 500 pounds and we had to go up a grade and around bushes and trees next to the house where my riding lawnmower had no traction (or... more

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179

CynthiaAmenia, NY

Purchased 10/29/12

14 Helpful Votes

REVIEWED

DEC.

22

2012

Home Owners

I received the generator a month ago but just got it up and running today.
Up until now all I could say was nice case.
Now I can say It does as advertised and we are pleased with it.